by Melanie Grimes

Created on: November 13, 2009

Buying a pair of shoes is an easy way to update your seasonal wardrobe. Follow the trends of Bohemian, or menswear, or try a new heel height, like platform or wedge or stiletto, and you can quickly turn last year's outfit to look like this year's fashionista.

Shoe trends

Fall shoe trends for 2009 bring back old favorites as well as some new shapes and designs and colors. Square toes are back, and lace-up boots have returned as well. Some of the freshest looks are created by the colors of the season, starting with the refreshing choice from Pantone's Color of the Year: yellow. Look for clunky boots, men's style shoes and retro-bohemian, to add fashion to your fall wardrobe.

Styles

Fall styles include exposed rugged soles and shoes made to look like men's shoes. Boot styles range from Menswear to Bohemian. Keep an eye out for high heel loafers as well as lace up ankle boots. Shearling continues to be a fashion look, with sheepskin-lined boots, and clogs.

Color

The colors for the shoe palette in Fall 2009 are a combination of traditional and creative, with colors from the 1960s and 1970s resurfacing. Colors range from vibrant to pastels. Pantone's Color of the Year is Mimosa Yellow, a bright yellow that will be featured in footwear. Blues and purples also dominate, along with greens. Watery blues are popular this season, or twilight blue, some of which are mixed with sea greens. Lavender and plum are the purple colors but this trend may be on the way out, according to some. Dark evergreen accented with pink or yellow (mimosa yellow) or lighter green is a fresh, natural look for Fall shoes. Browns and grays are the neutral colors, along with the usual black.

Heels

Heel heights in Fall 2009 range from stiletto to flats, with hidden platforms one of the new trends. Tapered heels and chunky heels are also popular with designers for this season.

Embellishments

With the trend back to the 1960s, fringe is back, particularly to go with the bohemian trend, seen especially on boots. Shoes are also embellished this season with studs, and frills, along with flowers.

Materials

Metallic is still strong, in copper, bronze and pewter, as well as gold. Crocodile skin is a trend in Fall shoes, as is tweed.

Boots

Boots trends for Fall 2009 features above-the-knee boots, and pumps. Boots this season have a geometric flair. Lace-up boots recall the 1960s retro trend. Shearling returns here as well for cozy winter days.

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